Vintage is always in style but it seems even more de rigueur with the recent popularity of retro shows like Mad Men and the desire to be frugal in our economy. Recessionistas everywhere are grabbing up neat thrift-store gems and fun retro kitchen pieces to add a little old-school charm to their cooking space. And why not? The kitchen is a fantastic place to showcase really oh-so-fashionable retro items, from long-lasting stand up mixers to über-cool blenders like my 1950’s garage sale find. Searching for vintage cookware is fun to treasure hunt and usually inexpensive unless you’re looking for something really unique and specific; vintage shops and online resources like Ebay and Etsy put cheap, chic classics a click away. Whole collections are often available as sets, and make wonderful display pieces, adding a little bit of tradition and kitsch to your own kitchen! Plus, you’re reusing which is environmentally-minded and resourceful, too.
Maybe you’ve got all the pots and pans you can handle already, but consider using a set of vintage spice pots as windowsill planters for ready-to-pick fresh herbs. Retro mugs hung along a wall make a super-cute, artsy point of interest in your kitchen. Items handed down to you can make for special, one of a kind conversation pieces so pull out that old stand mixer your grandmother passed on to you, polish it up and set it on your counter!
I have quite the collection of vintage kitchen pieces, but one of my favorites is this rocket-style Waring blender. It is from the 1950’s and I snagged it for a real bargain at a garage sale. While it is obviously super-retro, there is still a sleek, modern side to it that makes it both a beautiful showcase piece and a fantastic go-to workhorse in the kitchen!
Another of my fab finds is a tin 3-in-1 Lightning Shredder, circa the 20’s-30’s and the precursor to the food processor! It originally came in a set of three different shredders with a handle, but even on its own, this piece is a great bit of vintage kitchenalia. And I love that it has giant holes for uber large shreds!
A trip down vintage lane wouldn’t be complete without a fun, kitschy gadget like my 1950’s Maid of Honor hand-held egg beater/hand mixer – it seems equally at home in a retro kitchen or a modern one with its bright red plastic casing and cute design!
So, whether your kitchen is rocking some family heirlooms or you’re a diligent thrift-store hunter, make sure you proudly display your vintage cookware!
-Kathy
